I’ve created a lot of data and information visualizations. Around 540 over six years. (An eye-bleeding, marriage-crumpling average of 1.7 per week). There are 196 in my new book, Knowledge is Beautiful (out now). Yes I sometimes have dataviz dreams.

This graphic visualises the four elements I think are necessary for a successful “good” visualization. i.e. one that works.

All four elements in his graphic seem essential. With just two, you get something prototypical and sketchy – which is okay if you’re at an early stage. With three, the end result is strangely lacking.

See how, interestingly, if you combine information & function & visual form without story, you get “boring”. Something that looks good but isn’t that interesting.

Similarly, if you combine visuals, information & story without considering functionality and your goal, you get something useless.

Out now, the infographic mega-tome, Knowledge is Beautiful. Find out more.

We are an independent collective of professional researchers, data journalists and designers dedicating to visualising solid data, great information and mind-expanding knowledge.

]]>http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-makes-a-good-data-visualization/feed/0What is Meditation / Mindfulness Good for?http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-is-meditation-mindfulness-good-for/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-meditation-mindfulness-good-for
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-is-meditation-mindfulness-good-for/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 12:36:52 +0000davidhttp://www.informationisbeautiful.net/?page_id=8997]]>What are the effects of meditation & mindfulness, according to the latest scientific research? What’s it good for? And while we’re at it, what’s the difference between meditation and mindfulness anyway?

We reviewed 75+ studies and compiled all the evidence in one graphic and datasheet.

]]>http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-is-meditation-mindfulness-good-for/feed/0Common Mythconceptions – World’s Most Contagious Falsehoodshttp://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/common-mythconceptions-worlds-most-contagious-falsehoods/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=common-mythconceptions-worlds-most-contagious-falsehoods
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/common-mythconceptions-worlds-most-contagious-falsehoods/#commentsFri, 03 Oct 2014 11:08:21 +0000davidhttp://www.informationisbeautiful.net/?page_id=8094]]>A fun one on common myths and misconceptions from my book, Knowledge is Beautiful. Bag a copy to see all eighty.